National shoot brings big bucks to Roma

Over 600 shooters pass through Roma, filling up motels and boosting local shops.

Molly Bretag, 15; Jack Hunter, 17; Emily Dollar, 16; and Liam Morgan, 17 competed in the Junior National Champion of Champions in Roma on Wednesday, April 3. Picture: Ellen Ransley

AS THE Picnic Races trickled into the national shooting championships, hundreds of out-of-towners gave Roma a big boost.

Over 600 shooters are in town for the Australian Clay Target Association trap nationals, bringing people from as far as Tasmania, Darwin, and South Australia.

Maranoa Shire Council mayor Tyson Golder said big events like what Roma had seen over the past week were an opportunity to showcase the unique hospitality of the region.

"You definitely notice a big difference in the town with extra people in town," Cr Golder said.

"These things really help our community, they pick up the occupancy in motels, and really puts money into our community and we're very appreciative.

"When you think this shoot happens every 10 years, it's a big event... Roma is certainly punching very high in terms of being able to host things."

Athena Studio Units' relief manager Debbie Jones said they had been booked out solid for three of four days.

"I would say it's above normal, from what I've been talking about with others in town, it's been pretty extraordinary," she said.

Roma Chamber of Commerce President, Cyril Peet, said any money coming through town was a good thing.

"Even if we have a caravan passing through town, worst case scenario who only buy food and fuel, that's still money into Roma," Mr Peet said.

"If they stick around and have a meal or a beer, that's just extra."